Leeds teenagers given a chance to learn construction skills at Kirkstall Forge

The Leeds College of Building team in action at Forging Futures campus, Kirkstall Forge

An innovative training programme will launch at the Kirkstall Forge Forging Futures Campus next month aimed at helping people get back into training and the workplace.

Designed to give participants an introduction to construction skills and provide exposure to employment opportunities in the property industry, the courses will provide successful participants a Level 1 employability certificate, an opportunity to sit their CSCS test, career guidance and mentoring support, leading to further training and apprenticeships.

There will be six two-week programmes, each open to 15 people aged between 16-18

Ewan Metcalf MD of I Consult Ltd said: “In partnership with Inspire & Educate, we will deliver an inspirational two-week employability course which, when complete, will allow learners to access a wealth of opportunities in the construction industry.

“This will be the first step for individuals commencing on their pathway to success whether that be further learning or entering directly in to employment. We are very excited about the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of local people at the Kirkstall Forge development.”

Forging Futures Campus is an initiative launched by CEG and Wates Construction, in conjunction with Leeds College of Building and Leeds City Council, over a year ago at the Kirkstall Forge development in Leeds.

The Campus has had more than 350 Leeds College of Building students undertaking site visits, toolbox talks and practice their building skills in a live construction environment. It has also been open to visits from local schools, Leeds Beckett University and various community groups.

Jon Kenny, Development Director at CEG, said: “Kirkstall Forge will be a 21st century village, evolving over a number of years. As part of this we launched Forging Futures Campus because we were keen to ensure local people had an opportunity to benefit from training and apprenticeship opportunities.

This new round of courses will be delivered with local partners, such as local charity, BARCA, between January 2018 and June 2018. Fifteen people will go onto each of the two-week training courses with a total of 90 people having an opportunity to benefit as the courses run from January until June 2018.